RFN SCREENWRITING SHOWDOWN

Official rules

GENERAL RULES

  • All screenplays (“Scripts”) submitted must be written in English.

  • Scripts must not have been optioned, sold, or have a shopping agreement. Applicants must notify Richmond Film Network (“RFN” or the “Festival”) of any changes in status following submission.

  • Competition is only open to writers, 18 or older, who do not currently earn a living writing for film or television and/or has not received WGA writing credits. 

  • All submissions must be accompanied by the appropriate submission fee PER ENTRY.

  • Entering the competition constitutes permission to use the winners’ names and likenesses for publicity and promotions with no additional compensation. RFN reserves the right to publicize and promote the success of entered script(s).

ORIGINALITY & INDEMNITY

  • Scripts must be the original work of the applicant(s). If based upon another person’s life or upon a book or other work, applicant(s) must secure any necessary rights to make such adaptations. By entering the competition, applicant acknowledges all necessary rights have been secured. 

  • BY SUBMITTING MATERIAL, APPLICANT HEREBY AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND DEFEND RFN, ITS EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND AFFILIATES FROM ANY LIABILITY, CLAIMS, AND DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE SUBMISSION AND FROM ANY FEES AND EXPENSES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES, THAT ANY OF THEM MAY INCUR IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.

FORMAT & SUBMISSION

Please be sure your submission adheres to the following guidelines. Failure to comply may result in disqualification without refund.

  • Scripts must be formatted according to current industry standards.

  • Scripts must be in PDF format and under 5MB.

  • Font size must be 12 point and in Courier type.

  • Pages must be numbered in the top right-hand corner. 

  • Short Screenplays must be 10–40 pages in length.

  • Only the TITLE of the screenplay must appear on the front cover page. The author’s name, contact information, or any other information that may reveal the identity of the writer(s) must not appear anywhere in the script in order to preserve anonymity in the judging process.

  • NO REVISIONS OR MISSING PAGES WILL BE ACCEPTED ONCE ENTRY HAS BEEN RECEIVED. New drafts are accepted only as new entries and only with separate submission fee. 

  • RFN does not provide submission refunds. 

RFN reserves the right in its sole discretion to close entries at any time. RFN also reserves the right in its sole discretion to reject or disqualify any entry, without a refund.

DEADLINES & FEES

Submission fees for shorts are as follows:

Early Bird – $35 – deadline May 1, 2025

Regular – $45 – deadline June 1, 2025

Late – $55 – deadline June 15, 2025

EVALUATION

Every script that is entered into the Richmond Film Network Screenwriting Showdown is reviewed by at least two readers.

RFN has no obligation (other than as stated in these rules or on our website) to disclose any of the following information: 

  • identities of readers or judges; 

  • notes, feedback, or information relating to the submitted material; 

  • details regarding the submission review or selection process.

Except as explicitly stated, no representations or guarantees are made regarding the feedback or comments provided, or the quality thereof. The opinions of the readers are their own and do not reflect the opinions of RFN. RFN explicitly disclaims any liability or responsibility for any comments, notes, or opinions expressed about a submission, whether by RFN or by its readers, judges, and/or sponsors.

AWARDS

Two finalists will be announced at the August 9 at RFN Indie Fest. 

One winner and one runner-up will be announced at the November 15, 2025 at RFN Indie Fest. The judges’ decisions are final.

Winners receiving cash prizes are solely responsible for payment of all applicable local, state, and federal taxes.

  • Winning writer for Best Screenplay (Short) will receive:

    • a cash prize in the amount of $250,

    • our crystal trophy,

    • a “30-minute Mentor” Zoom session with professional screenwriter Sharon Y. Cobb (The Man in the White Van) where winner can ask about screenwriting craft, marketing their script, or working as a pro in the industry

    • judge notes,

    • an All-Access pass to the November 15 RFN Indie Fest finale, and

    • a live table read of their script at the November 15 RFN Indie Fest finale, featuring local actors

  • Runner-Up writer for Best Screenplay (Short) will receive:

    • our award certificate,

    • judge notes,

    • an All-Access pass to the November 15 RFN Indie Fest finale, and

    • a live table read of their script at the November 15 RFN Indie Fest finale, featuring local actors

  • If a submission involves two or more writers as applicants, prizes and/or awards will be divided equally among applicants by the applicants, and only one award will be provided. 

  • Awards are based solely on the overall merit of entries. Judges reserve the right not to grant an award.

QUESTIONS

All questions, including queries regarding reader opportunities, may be sent to info@richmondfilmnetwork.org.